Rugby Shorts

A round-up of today's other rugby stories in brief:

Trimble signs

Ulster have announced that Andrew Trimble has agreed a new three-year contract that will keep him at Ravenhill until June 2009. The 21-year-old has made a huge impression with both province and national side after making his Ireland debut last November against Australia, reports John O'Sullivan.

Trimble returns to the Ulster starting line-up to partner Jonny Bell in the centre for tomorrow's Celtic League game against Glasgow at Firhill.

Ulster have also confirmed details of their final signing for next season. Tom Court, a tighthead prop from Australia, will join Mark McCall's side on a two-year contract.

Once considered a top shot-put prospect in Australia, the Irish-qualified Court (24) is a relative newcomer to rugby union, only taking up the sport while studying at the University of Queensland three years ago.

He was invited to join the Queensland Reds rugby academy, and has since played for Queensland A and New Zealand NPC side Manawatu before returning to Australia to feature in the Queensland Reds Super 14 squad.

Quinnell retires

Wales forward Craig Quinnell has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby because of a serious neck injury. The Cardiff secondrow has made the decision after seeing a specialist this week about the injury to discs in his neck suffered against Glasgow two weeks ago.

Quinnell said: "Obviously I'm really disappointed. The consultant has told me I could be one hit away from a wheelchair and that really hits home how lucky I have been.

"I am hopefully able to continue to play other sports such as golf and squash, as well as lead a normal life."

NSW wait on Rogers

Australia's top two teams go head to head on Sunday in the highlight of the 10th round of Super 14 matches over the Easter weekend.

New South Wales sit second in the standings, one place above the ACT Brumbies, who have a game in hand. The Brumbies enjoyed a crushing 53-20 win over the Cheetahs last week while the Waratahs lost to the table-topping Crusaders.

With Australia coach John Connolly watching, the match is sure to be intense, and NSW will hope outhalf Mat Rogers is fit to line out against the experienced Brumbies halfback pairing of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.

Viadana fined

Italian club Viadana have been fined €3,500 after their European Challenge Cup clash with Northampton was forfeited.

The fixture was postponed on January 20th and again the following day, leaving the ERC board of directors to award the game to Northampton.

Viadana appeared before an independent disciplinary committee yesterday and were found guilty of failing to take suitable actions to prepare their pitch and failing to fulfil the fixture.

• Tomorrow's All Ireland League Division One fixture between UL Bohemian and Ballymena will be played at Annacotty (2.30).